Media storage container and two-disc hub

ABSTRACT

A disc storage container has a container body with a base and a lid. The lid is movable between open and closed positions with respect to the base. The base has a nest and a peripheral wall that cooperate to define a slot disposed between the portion of the nest adjacent to the peripheral wall. A disc-holding page having a rim is pivotably connected to the container body. A portion of the rim is disposed in the slot when the lid is closed with respect to the base to enclose the disc-holding page within the container. The multiple disc hub configuration for the page includes alternating disc retaining fingers projecting from opposite sides of the base wall of the page.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/723,529, filed Oct. 4, 2005, and also claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/742,862, filed Dec. 6, 2005. The disclosures of both applications are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

The present invention generally relates to media storage containers and disc retaining hubs and, more particularly, to a media storage container adapted to hold multiple disc-shaped items of recorded media. The present invention more particularly relates to media storage containers having disc-holding pages that pivot with respect to the body of the storage container.

2. Background Information

A single consumer media title, such as a feature film, is now frequently large enough to require multiple media storage discs to hold the media. Some features are sold with two versions of the same film such as widescreen and full screen. Most feature films are also sold with a “bonus material” disc which contains material related to the feature film. Three media discs, such as DVDs, are often required to store this information. Both consumers and retailers desire to fit these three media discs in a single standard-sized media storage container. One industry standard that has gained widespread acceptance in the industry is the 15 mm container.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one configuration, the invention provides a hub for holding at least two disc-shaped items of recorded media wherein two of the discs are disposed on opposite sides of a base wall. The hub has alternating retaining fingers that project from the base wall in opposite directions. This hub holds at least two disc-shaped items of recorded media in a coaxial configuration.

In another configuration, the invention provides a hub for holding at least two disc-shaped items of recorded media wherein two of the discs are disposed on opposite sides of a base wall. The hub has alternating retaining fingers that project from the base wall in opposite directions. This hub holds at least two disc-shaped items of recorded media in a coaxial configuration. An opening is disposed in the center of the retaining fingers with extensions of the opening extending between each pair of retaining fingers.

In another configuration, the invention provides a multiple disc hub disposed on an add-on disc-holding page for a disc storage container that has its own base hub for holding a disc-shaped item of recorded media. The multiple disc hub is aligned with the base hub of the storage container when the lid is closed to enclose the page within the container.

In another configuration, the invention provides an add-on page for a disc storage container having a nest wall that cooperates with a container peripheral wall to define a slot. The add-on page includes an outer flange that slides into the slot between the nest and peripheral wall of the storage container when the container is closed. This configuration helps to securely retain the page within the storage container when the lid is closed to enclose the page within the container. This configuration also may be used to fit an add-on page inside a standard 15 mm media storage container.

In another configuration, the invention provides a multiple disc hub disposed on an add-on disc-holding page for a disc storage container that has its own base hub for holding a disc-shaped item of recorded media. Both hubs have central openings. The multiple disc hub is aligned with the base hub of the storage container when the lid is closed to enclose the page within the container. The aligned hubs also align the central openings of the hubs to allow a lock to be fit through the hubs to lock the discs to the hubs within the container.

The features of these configurations may be used alone or in combination.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of an open media storage container with a two disc holding tray disposed over the lid portion of the container.

FIG. 2 is a section view taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a section view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of an open media storage container with an alternative configuration of the two disc holding page of the invention disposed over the base of the media storage container.

FIG. 5 is a section view taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 4 with a schematic lock shown in a locked position to lock the three media discs on the hubs.

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of an alternative configuration for the retaining hub.

FIG. 7 is a section view taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a section view taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 6.

Similar numbers refer to similar parts throughout the specification.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The hub of the invention is indicated generally by the numeral 2 in FIGS. 1-5. Hub 2 is configured to hold first and second media discs on opposite sides of a base wall 4. Hub 2 may be used in a variety of media storage container configurations. One such media storage container generally includes a container body having a base and a lid that are movable between open and closed configurations with respect to each other. A hinge wall may be used to hingedly connect the base to the lid. Each of the base and lid may include a peripheral wall extending about three sides of its base wall.

In the exemplary embodiment of shown in the drawings, base wall 4 may be part of an add-on page 6 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4. Hub 2 is useful on add-on pages such as page 6 because hub 2 has a low total height. The total height may be less than the height of four of the media discs that are to be received on hub 2. In the exemplary embodiment, the total height of the hub is 6 mm or less. Add-on pages must have a slim profile because they must fit between over top of disc hub 8 and nest 10 disposed on the base 12 of the media storage container 14 into which page 6 is added. The pages must also fit within the outer peripheral wall of the storage container when the container is closed. The slim profile allows container 14 to be closed without page 6 interfering with container 14. Such add-on pages 6 may be snapped into container 14 with clips 16 disposed on base 12, the hinge wall 18, or the lid 20. In the exemplary embodiment, page 6 is configured to position hub 2 directly over top of hub 8 when lid 20 is closed as shown in FIG. 5. In the configuration of hub 2 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, openings 22 and 24 are defined by hubs 2 and 8 so that a lock 26 may be used to lock the media discs 28 to hubs 2 and 8. Lock 26 may be any of a variety of hub locks known in the art. Exemplary discs 28 are CDs or DVDs.

Page 6 includes at least a partial rim 30 disposed near or at the outer perimeter edge of base wall 4. In the exemplary configuration, rim 30 projects from both the upper and lower sides of base wall 4 as shown in FIG. 5. Rim 30 may be disposed in a slot 32 defined between nest 10 and the front wall 34 of base 12 when page 6 is disposed over base 12 as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. The reception of rim 30 in slot 32 helps to lock the position of page 6 within container 14 when lid 20 is closed. This interlocked configuration helps to prevent discs 28 from being shaken loose and helps prevent page 6 from rattling within container 14 during use. Outer rim 30 is configured to be disposed radially outwardly of nest 10 when page 6 overlies base 12. Rim 30 may thus lie against base 12 without engaging nest 10. To achieve this configuration, rim 30 has an elongated base wall 40 that is disposed along hinge wall 18 when page 6 is installed. A pair of end walls 42 are configured to lie inside the side walls 44 of lid 20. End walls 42 are disposed substantially perpendicular to base wall 40. A pair of S-shaped transition walls 46 are connected to the outer ends of end walls 42. Each transition wall 46 has a portion disposed concave to hub 2 and a portion disposed convex to hub 2. The outer ends of transition walls 46 are joined by an outer wall 48 that is configured to slide into slot 32 as described above. Base wall 40 may be curved away from hinge wall 18 that allows page 6 to clear any projections or ribs disposed on hinge wall 18. Outer wall 48 is curved to match the curve of front wall 34 as shown in FIG. 4.

Hub 2 includes first 50, second 52, third 54, and fourth 56 retaining fingers with fingers 50 and 52 being mirror images of each other and disposed on the first side of wall 4 and fingers 54 and 56 being mirror images of each other and disposed on the second side of wall 4. The fingers are in alternating positions on opposite sides of wall 4 while disposed on a common reference circle. Each finger is curved along an arc that extends 75 to 105 degrees about the common reference circle. The fingers may extend along a 90 degree arc. The total circumferential arc of the fingers may thus be greater than 360 degrees. Each finger is thus C-shaped when viewed from above with the open sides of the C's facing each other. The radially inner and outer walls of the fingers are concentric to each other. A raised support projection 62 is disposed concentric to the fingers and projects from both sides of wall 4.

Each finger includes a locking projection 58 adapted to be disposed over the edge of media disc 28 to retain disc 28 on hub 2. Locking projections 58 are sized and configured to allow disc 28 to be forced over opposed locking projection 58 with a snap fit connection. Projections 58 may have angled upper surfaces with opposed underlying locking surfaces disposed perpendicular to the finger to lock discs 28 in place. Projections 58 have a height that is less than half of the thickness of disc 28. Hub 2 also defines an opening 60 disposed adjacent each finger disposed under projection 58 to allow projection 58 to be molded. The central portion of hub 2 is a flat disc-shaped portion of wall 4 disposed inside projection 62. This disc is solid unless page 6 is designed to be used with lock 26.

An alternative configuration for the hub of the invention is indicated generally by the numeral 102 in FIGS. 6-8. Hub 102 is configured to hold first and second media discs on opposite sides of base wall 4. Hub 102 may be used in a variety of media storage container configurations.

Hub 102 includes first 50, second 52, third 54, and fourth 56 retaining fingers with fingers 50 and 52 being mirror images of each other and disposed on the first side of wall 4 and fingers 54 and 56 being mirror images of each other and disposed on the second side of wall 4. The fingers are in alternating positions on opposite sides of wall 4 while disposed on a common reference circle. Each finger is curved along an arc that extends 75 to 105 degrees about the common reference circle. The fingers may extend along a 90 degree arc. The total circumferential arc of the fingers may thus be greater than 360 degrees. Each finger is thus C-shaped when viewed from above with the open sides of the C's facing each other. The radially inner and outer walls of the fingers are concentric to each other. A series of raised support projections 62 are disposed concentric to the fingers and projects from both sides of wall 4.

Each finger includes a locking projection 58 adapted to be disposed over the edge of a media disc to retain the disc on hub 102. Locking projections 58 are sized and configured to allow the disc to be forced over opposed locking projection 58 with a snap fit connection. Projections 58 may have angled upper surfaces with opposed underlying locking surfaces disposed perpendicular to the finger to lock discs 28 in place. Projections 58 have a height that is less than half of the thickness of disc 28. Hub 102 also defines an opening 60 disposed adjacent each finger disposed under projection 58 to allow projection 58 to be molded.

The central portion of hub 102 defines an opening 104 having four extensions 106 that are each disposed between a pair of adjacent retaining fingers. Each extension 106 extends through the location of support projection 62. Opening 104 and extensions 106 allow the page to work with a lock as described above. The openings may also allow the retaining fingers to flex when a disc is snapped onto and off of hub 102.

In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clearness, and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed.

Moreover, the description and illustration of the invention is an example and the invention is not limited to the exact details shown or described. 

1. A disc storage container comprising: a container body having a base and a lid; the lid being movable between open and closed positions with respect to the base; the base having a nest and a peripheral wall; the nest and peripheral wall defining a slot disposed between the portion of the nest adjacent to the peripheral wall; a disc-holding page pivotably connected to the container body; the disc-holding page having a rim; and a portion of the rim being disposed in the slot when the lid is closed with respect to the base to enclose the disc-holding page within the container.
 2. The disc storage container of claim 1, wherein the disc-holding page is releasably snap fit to the container body.
 3. The disc storage container of claim 1, wherein the base includes a disc retaining hub disposed inwardly of the nest.
 4. The disc storage container of claim 3, wherein the page includes a hub for holding at least two disc-shaped items of recorded media, the hub having: a base wall having a first side and a second side, the first and second sides being opposite sides of the base wall; first and second retaining fingers projecting outwardly from the first side of the base wall; the first and second fingers being on opposite sides of a first centerline that passes through the center of the hub; third and fourth retaining fingers projecting outwardly from the second side of the base wall; the third and fourth fingers being on opposite sides of a second centerline that passes through the center of the hub; and the first and second centerlines being perpendicular to each other.
 5. The disc storage container of claim 4, wherein the base wall defines a first opening inwardly of the retaining fingers and the disc retaining hub of the base defines a second opening; the first and second openings being aligned when the lid is in the closed position with respect to the base.
 6. The disc storage container of claim 5, further comprising a hub lock disposed through the first and second openings.
 7. A hub for holding at least two disc-shaped items of recorded media, the hub comprising: a base wall having a first side and a second side, the first and second sides being opposite sides of the base wall; first and second retaining fingers projecting outwardly from the first side of the base wall; the first and second fingers being on opposite sides of a first centerline that passes through the center of the hub; third and fourth retaining fingers projecting outwardly from the second side of the base wall; the third and fourth fingers being on opposite sides of a second centerline that passes through the center of the hub; and the first and second centerlines being perpendicular to each other.
 8. The hub of claim 7, further comprising disc locking projections extending from all four of the retaining fingers.
 9. The hub of claim 8, wherein the base wall defines an opening disposed adjacent each finger under the disc locking projection of the finger.
 10. The hub of claim 7, wherein the hub has only four fingers.
 11. The hub of claim 7, wherein each of the fingers is curved in a C-shape.
 12. The hub of claim 11, wherein each of the fingers is disposed on a common reference circle.
 13. The hub of claim 12, wherein the portion of the base wall disposed radially inwardly of the fingers is solid and flat.
 14. The hub of claim 7, wherein the portion of the base wall disposed inwardly of the retaining fingers defines a central opening.
 15. The hub of claim 14, wherein the base wall defines four extension openings disposed between each pair of retaining fingers; each of the extension openings being an integral portion of the central opening.
 16. A disc storage container comprising: a base and a lid; the lid being movable between open and closed positions with respect to the base; the base having a first disc retaining hub; an add-on disc-holding page connected to the storage container; the add-on page having a second disc retaining hub; the second hub being aligned with the first hub when the lid is closed with respect to the base; each disc retaining hub defining an opening; and further comprising a hub lock disposed through the openings of the first and second hubs.
 17. The disc storage container of claim 16, wherein the disc retaining hub of the page is adapted to hold at least two disc-shaped items of recorded media, the hub having: a base wall having a first side and a second side, the first and second sides being opposite sides of the base wall; first and second retaining fingers projecting outwardly from the first side of the base wall; the first and second fingers being on opposite sides of a first centerline that passes through the center of the hub; third and fourth retaining fingers projecting outwardly from the second side of the base wall; the third and fourth fingers being on opposite sides of a second centerline that passes through the center of the hub; and the first and second centerlines being perpendicular to each other. 